Fatal Accident Involving Motor Glider Near Zepfenhan

Casualties unknown • Zepfenhan, DE

A single-engine motor glider crashed during a private flight in Germany, resulting in the death of the pilot.

What happened

On December 23, 2014, a Fournier RF 4 D motor glider crashed near Zepfenhan, Germany, during a private VFR flight. The pilot had planned a flight from Rottweil-Zepfenhan (EDSZ) to Mengen-Hohentengen (EDTM) to facilitate a technical inspection of the aircraft.

The flight departed from runway 08 at 11:06 local time. Witnesses observed the aircraft climbing in a shallow ascent after takeoff. However, during a subsequent turn, the aircraft began experiencing significant oscillations across all three axes. This was followed by a heavy roll to the left, after which the aircraft plummeted into a sloping meadow adjacent to a roadway. The impact destroyed the aircraft. Although emergency responders reached the site and attempted resuscitation, the pilot was pronounced dead at the scene.

The investigation

The BFU investigation examined the wreckage, the pilot's credentials, and the aircraft's maintenance status. The aircraft, a single-seat wooden construction low-wing motor glider, was operated by a private group. The pilot held a valid private pilot license with ratings for motor gliders and had approximately 437 total flight hours, including 25 hours on this specific model.

Examination of the wreckage showed that the fuselage struck the ground with a leftward tilt and continued to move in a counter-clockwise direction. The impact occurred at an approximately 45-degree longitudinal pitch. The investigation found that the landing gear was extended and locked at the time of impact. The engine, fuel tank, and propeller were heavily damaged, but no evidence of an in-flight fire or post-impact fire was found. No technical defects were identified in the aircraft's components.

Findings

  • The aircraft was operated above its maximum takeoff weight, with a calculated takeoff weight of 396.5 kg against a maximum allowable weight of 390 kg.
  • The aircraft did not have a valid Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC) at the time of the accident.
  • The aircraft experienced severe instability and a heavy roll during the flight sequence, leading to the fatal impact.

Probable cause

The aircraft crashed following severe instability and a heavy roll during flight; notably, the aircraft was operated in excess of its maximum takeoff weight and lacked a valid Airworthiness Review Certificate.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2014-12-23 Sportavia-Pützer GmbH Fournier RF 4 D accident near Zepfenhan, DE?

A single-engine motor glider crashed during a private flight in Germany, resulting in the death of the pilot.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2014-12-23 involved a Sportavia-Pützer GmbH Fournier RF 4 D, at Zepfenhan, DE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft crashed following severe instability and a heavy roll during flight; notably, the aircraft was operated in excess of its maximum takeoff weight and lacked a valid Airworthiness Review Certificate.

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